Major Gifts Officer

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer to join its Development Department and play a critical role in advancing operational fundraising by more than 13% as we prepare to open brand-new permanent exhibits and unveil new programming in advance of our centenary in 2030. In partnership with the VP, Principal & Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer will serve as a front-line fundraiser advancing the acquisition and retention of, and increased investment by donors contributing $10,000+ annually. The Major Gifts Officer will be a key member of the Development team focused on the: Identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 5- and 6-figure donors and prospects Lead solicitor for multi-year and blended (cash and bequests) comprehensive gifts A motivated fundraiser and collaborator, the Major Gifts Officer will work across teams to advance thoughtful solicitations and secure commitments. A successful candidate will be an enthusiastic relationship builder and persuasive storyteller, who can convert prospects into consistent donors and ensure existing donors are inspired to give generously.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelors' degree required.
5+ years of progressive, professional experience in development, alumni relations, or similar professional work experience.
Familiarity with fundraising practices and a successful track record directly soliciting and closing leadership or major gifts and cultivating new relationships with donors and/or clients.
Experience working in fundraising or sales CRM required, Tessitura preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and manipulating/formatting data in Excel.

Nice To Haves

Tessitura preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and thoughtfully steward a portfolio of approximately 80 -100 donors and prospects capable of making 5-6 figure commitments annually.
Plan and execute a minimum of 150 visits per year with donors and prospects, with a keen focus on discovery and qualification.
Work closely with members of the Membership, Individual, and Stewardship/Engagement teams to ensure consistent flow of prospects up and down the pipeline.
Leverage close working relationships with the Board of Trustees to identify new prospects and convert event donors into annual supporters.
Collaborate with internal Shedd colleagues to implement unique donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities and communications to keep donors involved and informed of ongoing Shedd projects, developments, and advancement.
Participate in appropriate donor and member cultivation events and tours, as planned and as necessary, which are often held in the evening and/or on weekends.
Maintain timely contact records in the database and analysis of donors managed.
Deliver timely and effective follow-up to prospects and donors.
Provide routine quantitative analysis of portfolio activities to senior leadership and adapt approaches in response to measured outcomes.
Other duties as assigned.